The world has witnessed increased interdependence in the last few decades as a result of globalization. The main driving forces of this process are technology, policy, competition among other factors. Developed nations are the beneficiaries of globalization as their share of world trade and finance has been expanded at the expense of developing and third world countries. However, Nigeria has not benefited enough from globalization due to its dependence on crude oil. But globalization has found its way into the country through the introduction of e-hailing business which brought about employment, increased means of livelihood, social as well as economic development especially in the lives of Nigerian young adults.
This study therefore explores different aspects of the e-hailing industry and business in Nigeria and how it has aided economic development. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey and the population of the study consisted of 374 young adults who are involved in the e-hailing business in Nigeria. Data for the study was collected via online method through Google form; and data was analyzed using descriptive statistics for research questions generated for the study as well as Pearson Correlation and multiple regression for hypotheses.
The findings revealed that persons within the ages of 30-35 years and above who are male get involved in e-hailing business in Nigeria solely to get means of livelihood. Findings also showed that Nigerian young adults involved in e-hailing business also have other occupation and have used a good number of e-hailing applications like Uber, Bolt etc. Also, the advent of e-hailing has greatly helped in the aspect of development as some who are unemployed have been able to meet their daily needs through e-hailing. This has also served as a means of employment opportunity for a number of Nigerian young adults. It was also revealed that economic status of drivers involved in e-hailing such as amount earn from driving is a predictive factor that influence young adults' involvement in e-hailing business in Nigeria.
Also, social factors such as e-hailing work status of drivers involved in e-hailing business such as working on a full-time basis, predict their involvement in e-hailing business in Nigeria. However, there was a significant association between involvement of young adults in E-hailing industry and their perception of Nigeria's image in terms of economic viability & international standing. The study therefore concluded that e-hailing and other types of digital platforms will continue to play as an alternative source of employment in Nigeria for young adults, given the relatively high unemployment rate of 20% in Nigeria. The study recommended that the government should provide an enabling environment for e-hailing business to thrive in Nigeria among other recommendations.